Becoming Bystander Apathy

Becoming an Upstander
In a study by the University of California Berkeley, when there are four or more people who are witnesses in an emergency, the likelihood that at least one of them will help is only 31%. The remaining 69% of witnesses who are present but do not take part, are called bystanders, but if these bystanders become upstanders, they would become part of a solution to a problem. To become an upstander, a person should take responsibility by educating themselves about bystander apathy, learning how to overcome it, and be willing to help others. Articles written by Tara McCartney and Bryona Golding demonstrate the importance of comprehending the responsibility of becoming an upstander. Likewise, through Michael Macy, Helen Kennedy,

Most people are confronted by a psychological phenomenon called bystander apathy, where the “more bystanders witness an emergency event, the less likely any of them are to act,” according to Bryona Golding. This theory affects the response of one viewing another in suffering, and continues to denounce the likelihood of anyone to take action. Likewise, in an article written by Tara McCartney, she shares the significance of making an effort to aid the victim by surpassing bystander apathy. Golding stresses that when one realizes the presence and capability of others to perform a certain action, one tends to renounce their own sense of responsibility, and relies on others to act. The article by McCartney also strongly indicates that one cannot rely on others and “leave someone else to deal with” the emergency. A bystander does not feel that he or she must take responsibility for a person in suffering because when others are present, one realizes that others are also competent of acting in response to a need as well. This is called diffusion of responsibility, which is also a trigger to bystander apathy. Therefore, to become an upstander, he or she must recognize their responsibility as a witness, and make an effort to overcome these theories and become an upstander, one who is willing to stand up and aid the hurt and sacrifice themselves for the

The resolution to bystander apathy is by helping others not only in emergencies but throughout one’s life. From a week of performing acts of kindness, I observed how pleasant it was to be thanked and how it felt to be satisfied with my actions. By performing several acts of kindness and being empathetic, a connection between all the actions began to form, agreeing with the fact that by doing one action would make others want to perform the same action. Moreover, being empathetic and having the ability to take control in an emergency or everyday situation is one’s duty. An upstander must accept the responsibility to feel sympathy and aid another to lessen their suffering. Furthermore, in the article “The Science of Paying It Forward,” by Michael Macy, he highlights that by observing an act of kindness, people “become more likely to help others.” Through this article and through my experiences, it is reiterated that people must help anyone who needs it and take the necessary action in